Victorious: St Mary’s Primary School’s Year 6 boys netball team who won the state championship last week. Back row, from left — coach Stephanie Watson, Ryan McRae, Charlie Sutton, Keoni Anderson, Ryan Caldwell, Archie Jennings. Front, from left — Paddy Oliver, Lynkoln Richardson, Will Hatfield and Arley Canham. Photo: Contributed
St Mary’s Primary School’s Year 6 boys netball team is the state champion after taking home the School Sports Victoria title with a thrilling one-goal grand final win in Waverley last week.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
St Mary’s was defeated 15-8 in its opening game of the tournament, but bounced back to win its next two clashes to earn a spot in the semi-final.
Facing off against Mt Martha Primary School, St Mary’s came away with the win by a single goal, 15-14, setting up what was to be a nail-biting grand final.
St Mary’s met St Thomas the Apostle Black in the decider — the team it lost to in the opening round — determined to not let the grand final have the same result.
The team fought back from five goals down to take the lead in the final 10 seconds of the game, winning 17-16.
St Mary’s was led by the calm and knowledgeable influence of Year 6 teacher Stephanie Watson, herself an A-grade netballer for Moama.
“It was a privilege to coach such a great group of boys,” Watson said about the experience.
“I am so proud and they are very deserving winners. It is definitely a day we will all remember for a long time to come.”
The team had plenty of support back in Echuca. The entire Year 6 cohort was cheering the boys on, watching the grand final thanks to a parent in attendance who showed the game via video call.
As the players celebrated the win so too did their peers at home, with students jumping and cheering in their classroom.
Support from afar: St Mary’s students were able to watch the grand final match live thanks to a parent who filmed the game while video calling the school. Photo: Contributed
